The UK looks set to sizzle in summer-like weather once again next week as above-average temperatures make a welcome return.

Brits will have to dust off their sunglasses as high pressure is expected to remain in control during the first week of September - meaning plenty of dry, fine and sunny weather.

Despite the arrival of meteorological autumn this weekend, temperatures are forecast to reach the low to-mid 20s C across the south with highs of 25C in the southeast.

Values may even hit 26-27C, with the possibility of the heat spreading northwards.

Amy Hodgson, forecaster of The Weather Channel, said: "High pressure will build from the Atlantic through next week bringing dry and sunny weather.

"Temperatures will be slightly above normal for the time of year across the south of the British Isles, nearer normal across the north and west."

Warmer than normal

According to the latest computer models, the mercury will rise up to 3-5C above normal for the time of year under clear skies by the weekend.

Figures are set to rocket to 23-24C on Saturday in southern England, up to 25C on Sunday and potentially higher on Monday.

The unseasonable warmth is expected to persist into the first third of September as balmy air from southern Europe dislodges the current cool and unsettled westerly airflow.

The best of the weather will be in the southern half of the UK where many areas should begin to enjoy the start of an Indian summer.

But disturbances in the Atlantic will lead to a risk of rain and cloud further north and west, alongside a risk of overnight air frost in parts of Scotland.

What about the rest of September?

Looking further ahead, the dry and bright high pressure pattern is likely to dominate the second week of September and stay in place throughout the majority of the month.

October and November are also predicted to remain warmer than usual, according to long-range models.

However as the Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, forecasters are keeping an eye on the possibility of some unsettled intervals.

Dr. Dave Reynolds, senior meteorologist at The Weather Channel, said: "Forecasts are currently for a 60 per cent risk of tropical storm formation between the coast of Africa and the Cape Verde Islands that may re-curve and the remnants may reach Western Europe at some point mid-September."